The search for missing Queensland teenager Pheobe Bishop has escalated, with cadaver dogs deployed in a remote national park as police continue to investigate the 17-year-old’s mysterious disappearance.
Specialist police units, including dive teams and canine units, descended on Good Night Scrub National Park near Gin Gin on Sunday. The park lies approximately an hour from Bundaberg, where Pheobe was last seen 11 days ago.
Queensland Police confirmed the intensified search follows the discovery of a potential item of interest on Friday. While authorities have not disclosed the nature of the object or whether it is directly linked to Pheobe, the development has prompted a renewed land, water, and aerial operation in the area.
Detective Acting Inspector Ryan Thompson said police are pursuing “all avenues of enquiry” and attempting to confirm a detailed timeline of the teenager’s movements. “There are no specific persons of interest,” he said, “but we are narrowing down where the vehicle linked to her may have travelled.”
Pheobe was last seen on the morning of 15 May, reportedly being dropped off at Bundaberg Airport by acquaintances Tanika Bromley and James Wood.
She was due to fly to Perth via Brisbane to visit her boyfriend, but never checked in for her flight. CCTV footage later showed a silver Hyundai ix35, believed to belong to Ms Bromley, driving through Gin Gin two hours after the airport drop-off.
Both individuals have been interviewed by police and released without charge. Queensland Police have reiterated that no allegations have been made against them.
In an emotional statement issued through police, Pheobe’s mother, Kylie Johnson, described her daughter as “strong-willed, sassy and full of life.” She said: “You can’t tame Phee’s spirit, empathy or fight for life. She is the sunflower in a field full of wildflowers. Phebe just loved life — music blaring, dancing, hugging her siblings.”
Ms Johnson added, “Pheobe would never go this long without contacting someone. We are desperate for answers. Please, if anyone knows anything, come forward.”
Investigators are now focused on piecing together the vehicle’s route after leaving the airport and examining whether Pheobe may have been elsewhere after her supposed drop-off.
The teenager’s disappearance has captivated national attention, with growing concern as each day passes.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or local police.
